Support from the Jenny Craig Team During the Holidays is All the Gift I Want!

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I feel empowered as I continue on my Jenny Craig journey during the holiday season, especially considering the data out there that a Jenny Craig and FITNESS magazine survey reveals, sharing that 47% of women admit to gaining 4-5 pounds during the holidays. Better to avoid setbacks now by focusing on the blessings that the festivities and activities bring vs. indulgences can that lead to regret come January. What I prefer to focus on is people who motivate me like Bre’ly Evans, actress, singer and comedian who as a Jenny Craig ambassador has lost 40 lbs. so far, and actress Valerie Bertinelli, who has kept off 40 pounds using the program! I also spend time focused on physical activities that are said to be about 1/3 of the picture when it comes to obtaining a slender figure.

Following the Jenny Craig program, I eat three full meals daily and have daily dessert and fruit servings, as well. I feel healthy because I eat tasty, nutritious and well-balanced meals and am not taking short-cuts, nor going the method of powder drinks nor power bars as meal supplements. I am sure food replacement programs can work in various scenarios, but I can tell you (having done that) that eating really healthful food throughout the day feels way better! I know that the supportive ladies at Jenny Craig are with me every step, providing me with me food tips and encouragement along the way.

I look forward to the motivating emails entitled, “A Jenny Friendly Hello” and I thought you might appreciate it as much as I do, as the methods have worked well for me, as well. Dr. Barbara Rolls, the founder of the Volumetrics® Approach, which is exclusive to the *Jenny Craig program, shares her tips for getting the the hoidays withouot feeling deprived. Rolls is a Professor of Nutritional Sciences and the Helen A. Guthrie Chair in Nutrition at Pennsylvania State University.

Tips for surviving the holidays:

1. Fill your plate with healthy fruits and veggies — Losing and maintaining a healthy weight is all about moderation, not deprivation. Barbara Rolls’ Volumetrics® Approach, which is exclusive to the Jenny Craig program, includes suggestions such as eating an apple or drinking a hot cup of chicken broth before heading to a social gathering.

2. Eat one treat — Choose one “splurge” on the entire buffet table to eat and then choose healthier options for the remainder of your plate. This way, you still feel like you can participate in the festivities, without the consequences later. A splurge, for example, would be a small slice of cheesecake, a chocolate truffle or a glass of wine or champagne.

3. Have a game plan in advance — Having a game plan before you go to a dinner or holiday party can make all the difference. Jenny Craig offers consultants who can help plan out your meals or adjust your activity levels, so that you can enjoy your celebrations and avoid having to think on your feet about what you’re going to eat.

4. Sneak in a workout without even feeling it – During the holidays, it can be easy to lose motivation to stay active, especially during the winter months. Since physical activity is so important to achieving and maintaining a healthy weight, stay inspired by trying a new class, taking a walk at lunch with friends or even doing some laps around the office to burn a few extra calories around the holidays. This is of course, in addition to regular, moderate exercise two to three times per week.

5. Yes, you can drink alcohol and lose weight – Most traditional cocktails average more than 250 calories, so look for lower-calorie options. A wine spritzer is approximately 60 calories. Or, opt for celebratory champagne; an average flute is about 80-100 calories. Also, remember to hydrate yourself – you can still feel festive by enjoying a sparkling water with cranberry.

6. Be the friend you want to have! – Before you head over to a holiday party, call the host to see if they want you to bring over a healthy option, such as a hummus and veggie platter. That way, you know you will be able to fill your plate with something tasty without loading up on the calories and will help your friends do the same.

I would add to those tips some that are working for me: 1. Find buddies that you are in touch with regularly to keep tabs on and support. 2. Look for exercise routines that you enjoy and plan them out weekly just as you do your food plan. 3. Don’t focus on what others might do or say that might trip you up, as these are your goals, not theirs.

One to two pounds a week of weight loss is something that is very doable, but there needs to be a commitment for it to work, or it is a serious viscious cycle. It seems like during January many are chasing the new “diet” and “easy” or “effortless” ways to get the results that are rarely achieved without determination.

If you call one of the centers tell them “San Diego Bargain Mama” sent you!